SB53 creates the 14-member "Black Coloradan Racial Equity Commission" to study the "historical" and "ongoing effects" of slavery and "systemic racism" on black Coloradans, with research conducted by History Colorado and Legislative Council staff. The study, due in 2.5 years, will include an economic analysis of financial impacts.
The Colorado State House of Representatives passed SB53 on May 3, 2024 by a vote of 45 to 19. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation expands the size of government by establishing another unnecessary commission, one that would further divide and pit Americans against each other. The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” We must remain true to our commitment to equality, and resist government actions that seek to divide us.
